By Shahidul Islam Kabir
The pages of history and the full account of the Quran clearly show humanity the story of the rise and fall of many nations. The purpose of these accounts was to call people to the right path and to warn them of the consequences of disobedience. One such people were the people of Thamud, whom Allah, Lord of the Worlds, destroyed by a violent earthquake and a thunderous blast.
The people of Thamud were a highly prosperous and powerful nation. They carved their homes out of mountains and were renowned for their advanced construction and architecture. Allah sent the prophet Saleh to them. He called them to the oneness of Allah, told them to abandon injustice and urged them to follow Allah’s commands. But most of this people refused to respond to the prophet’s call and instead branded him a liar.
A clear sign was given to them from Allah — a miraculous she-camel. Harming or killing it was strictly forbidden. But the defiant community ignored the prophet’s warning and killed the she-camel. This was the cause of Allah’s final decree against them.
The Quran says a violent earthquake (ar-rajfah) and a sky-rending blast (as-saihah) fell upon them. In an instant they were destroyed, and their lavish settlement was reduced to a terrifying silence. The event is detailed in several Quranic verses.
“So the earthquake seized them, and they lay prostrate in their homes.” (Surah Al-A’raf, verse 78)
“And the awful cry seized them, and they lay prostrate in their dwellings.” (Surah Hud, verse 67)
The fate of the people of Thamud stands as an enduring warning in human history. Development, power and wealth cannot save anyone if respect for justice, truth and Allah’s commands is lost. Earthquakes and other natural disasters in today’s world also remind us that no matter how powerful humans may become, they are always helpless before the will of Allah, Lord of the Worlds. The story of Thamud is therefore not just a historical record but a moral and spiritual lesson for humanity.
Four earthquakes within 31 hours in recent days have served as a warning. One of our most important duties is to abide by the commands of Almighty Allah and to recommit ourselves to following the path shown by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, for the rest of our lives. To seek deliverance from past sins, we must develop the habit of frequent repentance and seeking forgiveness.
Writer: Editor, monthly Madinar Paigam
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report